Dynamic Tomosynthesis Slice Adjustment for Biopsy Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies, such as computed tomography, restrict patient access and expose patients to high radiation due to the need for frequent geometric adjustments during interventional procedures.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for tomosynthesis imaging that dynamically adjusts the location and thickness of the image slice based on the longitudinal axis of the object, ensuring that both the target position and a longitudinal section of the object are imaged, thereby facilitating robust guidance with reduced radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If computed tomography is used for real-time imaging, then imaging rate and detection precision are improved, but patient access is restricted and radiation load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the imaging modality from computed tomography to fluoroscopy with tomosynthesis, altering the radiation parameters and imaging geometry to reduce patient exposure while maintaining adequate detection capability for interventional guidance
2Productivity
If computed tomography is used for real-time imaging, then imaging rate is improved, but patient access is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the imaging approach by using fluoroscopy with tomosynthesis instead of continuous CT, changing the temporal and geometric parameters to enable better patient access during procedures while maintaining sufficient imaging rate for real-time guidance
3Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy is used with multiple recording geometries, then detection precision is improved, but workflow is disrupted due to pivoting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptation of the tomosynthesis slice parameters (location and thickness) based on the detected object position, allowing the imaging system to continuously adjust to object movement without requiring physical pivoting of the C-arm, thus maintaining detection precision while eliminating workflow disruption
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the detected object position to dynamically adjust the tomosynthesis imaging parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal imaging conditions without manual intervention or geometric reconfiguration
4Device complexity
If fixed tomosynthesis slice parameters are used, then device complexity is reduced, but guidance robustness deteriorates due to object movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static tomosynthesis slice parameters into dynamic parameters that automatically adapt to object position, maintaining simple device architecture while significantly improving guidance robustness through real-time parameter adjustment based on object detection
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for robust guidance of objects, such as biopsy needles, to target positions with improved patient access and reduced radiation exposure, while maintaining high imaging rates.
Implementation Method 1
a fluoroscopy, in which there is continuous or quasi continuous two-dimensional imaging with a relatively low x-ray dose
Implementation Method 2
obtaining three-dimensional image data of a preceding tomosynthesis imaging or another three-dimensional imaging of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for predetermining a location and/or a thickness of a slice, to be imaged of a patient during a tomosynthesis imaging to be parameterized by an imaging facility comprising the steps of obtaining three-dimensional image data of a preceding tomosynthesis imaging or of another three-dimensional imaging of the patient, wherein the three-dimensional image data depicts at least one part of an object located at least partly within the patient, evaluating the three-dimensional image data for establishing the location of a longitudinal axis of the object along which the part of the object extends, and establishing the location and/or the thickness of the slice to be imaged as a function of the established location of the longitudinal axis in such a way that the slice to be imaged images a predetermined target position within the patient and at least one longitudinal section of the object when the longitudinal axis of the object is located in the established location.